Two expelled students of Oklahoma University, Parker Rice and Levi Pettit, accused of the “leadership role” they held in Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s racist chant video that leaked earlier this week have issued apologies for their involvement. One of the student issued an apology while the family of the other student released a statement on his behalf.
“We were as shocked and saddened by this news as anyone,” the family statement continued. “Of course, we are sad for our son, but more importantly, we apologize to the community he has hurt. We would also like to apologize to the entire African American community, University of Oklahoma student body and administration.”
Parker Rice, 19, also offered his sincere apologies for the damage he has caused his family to suffer since the video leaked.
“…Our family is not able to be in our home because of threatening calls as well as frightening talk on social media,” he said. “I am deeply sorry for what I did Saturday night. It was wrong and reckless. I made a horrible mistake by joining into the singing and encouraging others to do the same.
“For me, this is a devastating lesson and I am seeking guidance on how I can learn from this and make sure it never happens again,” the statement continued.
The University of Oklahoma President David Boren also released a statement on Twitter, saying the investigation into the video was still continuing and other identified students determined to have been a party to the racist chant will face “appropriate disciplinary action.”
“I have emphasized that there is zero tolerance for this kind of threatening racist behavior at the University of Oklahoma,” Boren said. “I hope the entire nation will join us in having zero tolerance of such racism when it raises its ugly head in other situations across our country.”
